Prevalence of and risk factors for actinic cheilitis in Brazilian fishermen and women.

OBJECTIVES

This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of and risk factors for actinic cheilitis (AC) in Brazilian fishermen and women.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was carried out in a representative sample (n = 210) of fishermen and women. Data related to age, skin color, cumulative and daily exposure to solar radiation, smoking, sun protection measures, and the presence of AC were collected. A Poisson regression model was created to estimate the prevalence ratio of variables.

RESULTS

The prevalence of AC was 11.4% (95% confidence interval 7.8-16.4%). The disease was more prevalent in fishermen and women with fair skin and in those aged >50 years, those with cumulative exposure to solar radiation of >30 years, those with daily exposure of >4 hours, and those who did not use sunscreen.

CONCLUSIONS

Brazilian fishermen and women constitute a population at risk for lip cancer. Public health programs that encourage the use of sunscreens and a lower daily exposure to solar radiation should be established.